5 Card Stud Poker Strategy

5 Card Stud

Introduction to Five Card Stud Strategy

Five card used to be a popular game but is very rarely played anymore. It is a very different game because so much of your hand is exposed. The game is played with only one hole card which greatly limits bluffing opportunities and allows you to identify quite often when you are holding the best hand.

This game greatly favors a tight-aggressive playing style. Most players play far too loose in this game making it very profitable. With only 5 cards a starting pair will very often hold up.

All In poker still offer 5 card stud and games are regularly running. Play tight and these games are easy money.

5 Card Stud Starting Hand Strategy

To begin 5 Card Stud is not a drawing game. The secret to the game is to start with the best hand and charge your opponents to try and outdraw you. More often then not they will not get there. This game can be very simple primarily because most players play very poorly so even basic strategy is sufficient to turn a handsome profit.

In 5 card Stud you will start with one upcard and one hole card. You should only be playing when based on the board you have can assume you are ahead. Any time you have a board lock on the first 2 cards you should bet the maximum amount possible.

Two examples of Likely Leads where calling/or a small bet is indicated.

Scenario 1			In this scenario you are probably slightly ahead against lower card but cant be certain you aren't up against a pair. Ideally you would play this hand out cheaply until you improve, folding if someone else does first. If a big bet is made this hand should probably be folded. If you do improve you will probably have the best hand.
You	Opponent 1	Opponent 2
Scenario 2			Here you are possibly still ahead but may be dominated by opponent 2, you actually have a little less to fear from opponent 1 as he could be playing an ace with any kicker, the 10 is more likely to have a pair. Here you should raise for information and fold if re-raised. Once again if called play the hand out cheaply unless you improve.
You	Opponent 1	Opponent 2

Two Examples of Board Locks where strong bets should be made to build a pot and limit opposition.

Scenario 1 In scenario 1 you KNOW you have the best hand, not only that but your opponents both have playable hands and are very unlikely to put you on the last remaining ace. By betting strongly you actually disguise your hand. If they pair their kicker on 3rd they will have a very hard time letting the hand go.

You
Opponent 1
Opponent 2

Scenario 2

You

Opponent 1

Opponent 2 In this scenario you KNOW you have the best hand and unless someone catches an Ace/King or pairs there board you will continue to know you have the best hand, for this reason you should raise aggressively to charge opponents to draw against you. If they have a pair or an Ace in the hole they will probably pay you off.

Where to Play Five Card Stud

Despite 5 Card Stud being one of the best poker games, its really hard to find these days. One site where you can almost always find a game is All In Poker.